Zelensky Urges Sanctions-Backed Ceasefire Focus for Alaska Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said any forthcoming peace negotiations over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine must be accompanied by sustained economic sanctions on Moscow. Zelensky told reporters on 13 August that combining diplomatic dialogue with continued pressure is essential to achieve meaningful progress. He added that securing a ceasefire should dominate the agenda of the meeting expected to bring former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin together in Alaska. Kyiv hopes a formal halt in hostilities can be reached if Western allies maintain leverage through sanctions while the leaders discuss a broader settlement.